Gene R. O’Connor, 82, of Rutland, died Saturday morning, March 2, 2013, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, following a brief illness.

He was born on November 20, 1930, in Picture Rocks, Pa., the son of Howard and Florence (Fenstamaker) O’Connor.

Mr. O’Connor graduated from the Hughesville (Pa.) High School.

He married Arlene Miller on November 17, 1956.

Mr. O’Connor enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War as a tank commander and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star with an Oak leaf cluster and two Air Service medals for his service. The Army stationed Mr. O’Connor in Butzbach, Germany, for several years and in 1968, he was stationed in Rutland, assigned as an advisor to the National Guard until he retired in 1980 as Command Sergeant Major.

He was a member of the Rutland United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #31 in Rutland.

Mr. O’Connor enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene O’Connor of Rutland; a daughter, Glenda of Chittenden; a son, Chris of Rutland; a daughter-in-law, Terry; son-in-law, Scott; three grandchildren, Christopher, Gregory and Katelyn; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Louise Moyer; and two brothers, Bill O’Connor and Dale O’Connor.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Aldous Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Burial will be at a later date in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rutland United Methodist Church, 71 Williams St., Rutland, VT 05701; or to the Rutland County Humane Society Inc., 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763.